Is it your first time in Rwanda, and are you looking for things to do? Look no further, below are a list of activities you simply must do when visiting the Land of a Thousand Hills on your mountain gorilla safari, because the country offers so much more for those who take the time to spend a few extra days before or after their gorilla adventure.
In Kigali
Kigali Genocide Memorial
This memorial pays homage to the hundreds of thousands who lost their lives during the genocide. A permanent National genocide memorial in remembrance of more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial is a place of remembrance and learning where more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide have been laid to rest. Many people who lost loved ones in the Genocide visit to remember and grieve. There is no entrance fee and donations are gratefully accepted.
Northern Province Ruhengeri
Volcanoes National Park
You can as well visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, a beautiful landscape, with the namesake volcanoes towering over everything, as well as the forest butting right up against the cultivated land. There are multiple activities possible within the park, but we chose to do treks to the mountain gorillas and to the golden monkeys. Both animals are impressive, the gorillas especially majestic.
Mountain Gorillas
The safari highlight of many people coming to visit Rwanda. You will get a memorable Gorilla trek experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The rare adventure lets you get up close with over 30% of the world’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
You will trek through rain forests and enjoy an hour observing these majestic animals as they go about their daily lives. These gorillas are used to human presence, so you can get within 7 meters of them. Follow safety guidelines to protect both yourself and the gorillas. This journey is a transformative experience you’ll never forget.
Any trek starts at the park’s headquarters, where you are assigned to a specific group and guide. From there, we drove to our designated trailhead and then walked to see the animals. In our case, about 2 hours of hiking to the mountain gorillas, and only about 15 minutes to the golden monkeys. A visit here to see the location and the wildlife is definitely a highlight.
Golden Monkeys Trekking
You can as well trek to see the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This unique experience offers a rare opportunity to observe endangered golden monkeys in their lush bamboo forest habitat. Setting off at sunrise, trekkers navigate trails to witness these captivating animals foraging, playing, and interacting socially. With their distinctive golden-yellow fur and lively behaviours, the golden monkeys provide a stunning addition to your park visit.
Cultural Tours
Cultural Experience at Iby’Iwacu Village
I also had a great experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in Volcanoes National Park during my trip in January 2025. It’s a fantastic place to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions. The local guides were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about their history and customs.
We got to try traditional dances, see how the locals make their crafts, and even learn about farming techniques. We also got to have a go at drumming; grinding sorghum4 grain; firing a bow and arrow; drinking 14% proof banana beer and to top it all getting married as a king and queen. I highly recommend spending a couple of hours here, it’s a fun and educational addition to your trip!
By experiencing their dancers, cuisine and crafts, you will have a unique and unforgettable experience that showcases the deep connection between people and the environment. Extend your journey beyond nature and forge connections with the vibrant communities that call this region home. Do not also miss this cultural tour for a holistic Rwanda adventure where every step reveals a new layer of local life and connection.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Don’t miss out the Dian Fossey Tomb on your gorilla tour in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The hike leads to final resting place of renowned gorilla researcher Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and safeguarding mountain gorillas. You will pass via steep slopes and towering bamboo groves, treating you to breathtaking views of the forested hills below. Along the way, you may come across wildlife like the golden monkeys and birds. This hike is a must for its stunning scenery and its pivotal role in gorilla conservation.
Lake Kivu
After our strenuous but rewarding trek to see the mountain gorillas, perhaps all we could want to do is to relax at Lake Kivu. Near the northern tip of Lake Kivu, is the Rubavu District and Gisenyi is the capital. It is where you will find a sandy beach and inviting water, all just an hour from Volcanoes National Park.
The Lake is a contributor to the Great Lake region and lies within the Albertine Rift Eco-Region and the Great Rift Valley. The lake is shared between the DRC and Rwanda.
Butare Southern Province of Rwanda
Ethnographic Museum Rwanda
On a rainy day I decided to visit the Ethnographic museum in Huye, about 130 kms south of Kigali. Museum already exists since end of the eighties and was a gift from the Belgium Government on the occasion of 25 years independence of Rwanda. Meanwhile the museum is very well maintained and gives a good survey of the history of Rwanda. I would highly recommend this museum as a short stop during a trip in Rwanda. Every single aspect of this museum is unbelievable. From the outside of the museum to each gallery, you will see outrageous beautiful details.
The museum is very educational and is comprised of 7 display galleries. Any questions you have regarding early history of the country, art or archaeological artifacts displayed, or how such a rich culture was born, will be answered through visual aids and well-written descriptions. At the end of your tour, definitely stop and get some souvenirs at a great price.
Nyungwe National Park
I spent 2 wonderful and unforgettable days in Nyungwe – first day trekking for chimps in Cyamudongo forest area and second day on the trail to Ndambarare waterfall. On both days Sarah was the guide – she is wonderful – she took marvelous photos with her top quality Nikon and shared the best of them with me.
The Uwinka visitor center is the departure point for guided hikes into the Nyungwe rain forest. The next morning we went to find the chimpanzees and got to spend about only one hour watching them eat, build nests and play. It was a fabulous visit to an incredible park
The next we also did the famous Canopy walkway. Sarah’s knowledge of the birds and butterflies was magnificent, she could tell which kind of bird from the sounds they made and instantly identify which butterfly we were looking at. She kept a collated ebirds.org record of all the birds we saw and sent it to me afterwards.
It was such a joy to be guided by a person who clearly loved what she does and who is so good at her job. This made what was already a special few days in Rwanda even more unforgettable.
Eastern Province of Rwanda
Akagera National Park
Visiting Akagera National Park was my third game drive in Africa, followed by game drives in Kenya and Tanzania. Akagera National Park is highly monitored and protected by local authorities against poachers. I was also told a percentage of the park fees are administered to neighboring communities so as to provide some economic income and deter poaching.
The first evening we went on a night safari which was great fun. We saw some sightings but most the following day. Day two started with a boat safari which was led by a very knowledgeable guide who showed us crocodiles of varying ages and sizes, lots of bathing hippopotamus, snake birds (they have very long necks and when they are in the lake you can only their necks which look like a snake). Palm nut vulture, African fish eagle and many other bird species.
And in the evening we saw a topi, water buck, bush buck, impala, giraffe, zebra, warthog, leopard, white tailed mongoose, and loads of white rhino, elephants and a big pride of lions. Vulture, snake bird, lots of eagles and a snake. I recommend to visit this park on your gorilla safari in Rwanda.
